Manenzhe backs Vilakazi to shine

Johannesburg- Ahead of the 30th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) this week, former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits striker Phumudzo Manenzhe believes Sibusiso Vilakazi will be Shakes Mashaba’s secret weapon to glory in the upcoming continental showpiece.

Bafana will start their campaign against the North African giants, Algeria, at the Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea.

The “Bold and the Beautiful” hinted that Vilakazi has been catching Mashaba's eye since the qualifiers, because he showed that he was ready to be in the starting line up with his positive contributions.

Manenzhe, 30, also gave credit to all Bafana players who completed the game against Cameroon on Saturday, staying they did well as a team and were awarded with a deserving equaliser scored by Vilakazi.

“I think we have to look at why we are so slow to come out of the blocks,” said Manenzhe.

Stalemate

“I think Sibusiso Vilakazi raised his hand to say he deserved to be in the starting line up during the AFCON tournament.

“He has been doing that since the qualifiers...coming from the bench and scoring crucial goals.

“To me he is the only player who is giving Shakes (Mashaba) sleepless nights."

Bafana and the Indomitable Lions played to a one-all stalemate in Libreville on Saturday.

Bafana’s next friendly will be against Gabon on Wednesday before heading to Equatorial Guinea.